Campus Champion

Senior Sean Platt, a physical education major with a minor in Africana studies, recently delivered the student keynote speech at the Student Conference on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice. He is guided by a belief in leading by example, pride in being an African American man and a desire to support the same opportunities he’s been provided. That drive has led the Cortland’s Urban Recruitment of Educators scholar to serve as president of SUNY Cortland’s NAACP chapter, vice president of Men of Value and Excellence, a Male Multicultural Initiative student coordinator and coach of women’s club basketball. 

Editor’s Note: This story was published in the Fall 2024 edition of the Columns alumni magazine and is being rerun in honor of Veterans Day. The university’s 2025 Veterans Day ceremony will take place Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 3 p.m. in Old Main Brown Auditorium.

Seeing a ghost, traditionally, is cause for alarm or an exorcism. For Distinguished Alum Bert Edelstein ’74, Ph.D., it was a chance to embrace a hidden, heroic chapter of his father’s life. 

Decades after Philip Edelstein passed away, Bert discovered that his father was secretly part of World War II’s Ghost Army, a vital counter-intelligence wing of the allied military. 

“I was startled by it and somewhat in disbelief,” Bert said. 

This classified group, officially known as the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, developed and used new techniques in tactical deception critical to re-taking Europe from Nazi Germany.  

Philip was part of the Ghost Army’s signal corps, sending false morse code and radio messages to hide troop movements. Bert noted that they would come under fire from enemy forces tricked to think these Ghost Army soldiers were, in fact, battalions of tanks and infantry. 

“When I think about my father doing this it doesn’t fit with my picture of this very kind, gentle, loving guy,” Bert said. “Exposing himself at age 26 through these incredible dangers.” 

The work of the 82 officers and 1,023 enlisted soldiers was classified until 1996. Philip passed away in 1965, never having broken his promise of secrecy to anyone. 

Luckily, he kept his discharge papers after the war. Bert shared them with his cousin, librarian Bonnie Orlin, whose search found a roster of Ghost Army soldiers with Philip’s name on it. 

Bert then learned more from Rick Byer, director of a documentary called “The Ghost Army” that debuted on PBS in 2013. Byer supplied photos from the war to Bert. Searching through them, he found several with his father — the first direct visual link in his family to the life that none of them but Philip knew. 

As the mystery unraveled, Bert’s determination to finally honor Philip and the rest of the de-classified Ghost Army grew. He and other Ghost Army families campaigned to honor the soldiers with the Congressional Gold Medal, Congress’ highest honor of achievement.  

After six years of emails, letters, hope and tireless work they won over the required majority in the House and Senate. 

“I was exhilarated,” he said.  

The owner of The Edelstein Group, an executive development consulting firm, Bert’s determination to honor the Ghost Army is just the latest example of the drive that's been a part of him since he was younger. 

As a student at Cortland, he was a member of the National Student Lobby — now part of the United States Student Association — and was also the school’s radio station manager. He began the push to get an FM radio license and took the issue to officials like then-school president Richard Jones. 

“I thought that an FM radio station could change Cortland by bringing a different source of information, educational programming and music to the Cortland area,” Bert noted. 

That license for WSUC-FM was obtained after he graduated, in part through the work of his friend, Michael Flaster ’78. 

“I guess I’ve always felt like I wanted to make a difference and have an impact,” Bert said. “And not mind having to run through a few walls to get there.” 

After final approval in 2022 by Congress, the last surviving soldiers of the Ghost Army joined Bert and others this spring in Emancipation Hall in the U.S. Capitol Building for a tribute 80 years in the making. 

The event saw generals, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other high-ranking public figures etch into history a group of men who’d almost been left behind — as shadowy and elusive as their namesake during the world’s most destructive war.  

For Bert, it’s a reminder of the ideals that Philip and others defended far from home. 

“I think the more people understand what we fought for in World War II and how the country came together to fight a terrible threat to democracy and to peace — the better.”

Kathrine Switzer laced up her running shoes and broke barriers in 1967 at an all-male Boston Marathon.

She was not the first woman ever to complete the famous 26.2-mile race, but she became the first female-registered runner, using her Syracuse University journalism byline, K. V. Switzer.

She made headlines by running the race despite an attempt by its co-director to physically pull her out.

Switzer’s act of defiance was a monumental win for female runners, who five years later, in 1972, were invited officially to run the Boston Marathon, the crown jewel of long-distance road races.

Now an internationally recognized pioneer for female runners and women in athletics, she returns to SUNY Cortland for a speaking engagement on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Switzer previously spoke at Cortland in 2012.

Her talk, at 6 p.m. in Old Main Brown Auditorium, is free and open to the public.

Switzer’s experience propelled her to a career that generated many other opportunities for women in sports. Besides running competitively — she won the New York City Marathon in 1974 — Switzer found success in fields that included broadcasting, marketing and public speaking.

Runner’s World magazine named her its female runner of the decade for 1967 to 1977 and one of its four visionaries of the century. In 2011, Switzer was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame.

She has appeared on hundreds of radio and television programs, including “Oprah,” “The Today Show” and “Good Morning America.”

Switzer co-founded and leads the nonprofit organization 261 Fearless, which aims to empower women through running and education. She won an Emmy Award in 1997 for her work on the Los Angeles Marathon. She continues to write for publications like Marathon & Beyond Magazine and is the author of three books including her award-winning 2007 memoir Marathon Woman.

Switzer also founded the Avon International Running Circuit, a worldwide series sponsored by the cosmetics giant that brought races for women to dozens of countries. The program is credited with attracting more than a million participants and boosting acceptance of women’s sports in places where it had previously lagged. The Avon series also paved the way for more women’s running events to be added to the Olympics, which included the women’s marathon in 1984.

Now 78, Switzer reran the Boston Marathon in 2017 at age 70 to mark the 50th anniversary of her famous first run.

Her talk at SUNY Cortland is sponsored by the university’s Sport Management Club.

For more information, contact Mark Dodds, professor of sport management.

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Before the 66th annual Cortaca Jug game kicks off, SUNY Cortland students will be able to enjoy a week’s worth of activities leading up to the “biggest little game in the nation.” 

This year’s events are sponsored by the Student Activities Board (SAB), Campus Activities and Corey Union, Cortland Auxiliary Services (CAS), Alumni Engagement, Health Promotion and the city of Cortland. The rivalry football game takes place Saturday, Nov. 15, at noon at Ithaca College’s Butterfield Stadium. 

“Countless people have put so much work and effort to make this year’s Cortaca week of events fun and, most importantly, unforgettable,” said Andrew Oliva, public relations for SAB. “We encourage students to come out, have a great time and show their Red Dragon Pride to support our football team before their big game on Saturday.” 

An iPad 10^th Gen, JBL Xtreme 3 Speaker and Apple Watch will be raffled off by SAB at the end of Friday's pep rally. Each student can enter for any one of the items at each Cortaca event. More events attended means more entries.

Follow @CortlandSAB on Instagram for up-to-date info on Cortaca week. 

The current schedule includes: 

Monday, Nov. 10: Casino Night, 7 to 9 p.m., Corey Union Function Room. SAB will host 10 games, with players able to win chips that can be traded in for prizes. 

Tuesday, Nov. 11: Karaoke, 7 to 9 p.m., Corey Union first floor. The monthly karaoke event gets a Cortaca twist with entries to raffles for Cortland merchandise for anyone brave enough to step on stage and belt out their favorite song. A special host, musician Sheena Brook, will lead the way. 

Wednesday, Nov. 12: D.I.Y. T-Shirt Night, 6 to 8 p.m., Corey Union Function Room. Students can choose their own colors, patches and more to design their own Cortaca gameday shirts. There will also be a Party Smart Event from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Student Life Center lobby to help students learn more about celebrating the weekend responsibly.  

Thursday, Nov. 13: Ultimate Game Night, 6 to 9 p.m., Corey Union Function Room. Entertainment offerings will include laser tag, escape rooms, video games and a photo booth. 

Friday, Nov. 14: Red Dragon Pride Day and Pep Rally

1 to 1:30 p.m., Corey Union steps. All campus community members are invited to wear red and enjoy hot apple cider for a Red Dragon Pride Day group photo. 

7 to 9 p.m., Main Street. Cortland pride will be on full display when Red Dragons and community members join in a pep rally in the local community. Expect performances by dance groups; prize raffles; food trucks; games set up throughout the street; a mechanical bull; and music from country artist Cooper Greer. Transportation will be available. 

Saturday, Nov. 15: Crown City Cortaca Celebration, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Main Street. A downtown watch party will let fans catch all the action, live-streamed on a big screen. After the game, stick around for food trucks, live music, dance performances and more. 

Sunday, Nov. 16: Cortland Cleanup, noon at the event tent at Bru 64, 64 Main Street. Sponsored by SUNY Cortland Greek Affairs and the city of Cortland, students and community member can help keep Cortland tidy after the week of fun. Email Sandra Wohlleber, associate director of campus activities and Greek affairs, with any questions about this event. 

SUNY Cortland and Ithaca College’s sustainability offices are joining forces to incorporate recycling into the popular football rivalry.

From Friday, Nov. 7, until Friday, Nov. 14, the two schools will compete in the Cortaca Can Collection Competition to see who can collect the most 5-cent can deposits.

Each school will donate the funds raised from the collected cans to their local communities. Cortland will contribute its proceeds to Cortland ReUse and Ithaca will donate to Finger Lakes ReUse.

“It’s fun to see athletics, campus events and sustainability come together for one initiative, especially when it’s helping great organizations like Cortland ReUse and Finger Lakes ReUse,” said Megan Swing, SUNY Cortland’s energy and sustainability engagement coordinator.  

SUNY Cortland will host two mass collection sites, at the Oscar machine in Hilltop and in the Student Life Center lobby. All cans and bottles will be accepted, as long as they offer a 5-cent deposit reimbursement. Cortland’s Sustainability Office asks for the beverage containers to be emptied, the less sticky the better.

Additionally, 5-cent deposit containers will be placed in each of SUNY Cortland’s residence halls on Thursday, Nov. 6, thanks to Cortland Auxiliary Services, which also will fill those bins with its own donated can collection in support of Cortland ReUse.

Throughout the week of Nov. 10, Green Reps will host Cortaca Can Collection Competition-themed programs.

Students who bring their residence hall Green Rep a 5-cent deposit during the event will also receive a treat.

“I’m excited to see how our campus community can utilize 5-cent deposits created from the New York State Bottle Bill to help advance recycling efforts and utilize funding from them to help support our great local non-profits,” said Scott Doyle, Ithaca College’s director of energy management and sustainability. “More work can be done when we work together.”

Another way students can prepare for Cortaca in a sustainable way is by participating in SUNY Cortland’s 21-Day Sustainability Challenge.

Each day, the Sustainability Office Instagram account, @cortland.greenreps, will post a challenge of the day. Students have until midnight that day to complete the daily eco-challenge and submit their proof. More details on how to enter to win a Cortaca hoodie can be found on Instagram.

Red Dragons Read’s first chapter has begun, with the program offering a free take-a-book, return-a-book system to anyone on campus ready to find their new favorite novel. 

Announced in early October, the project was the result of student requests for screen-free recreational reading. It officially kicked off at the end of the month after more than 600 books were donated for the program, including close to 100 new books bought thanks to the William Haines ’63 Fund. 

Red Dragons Read bookcases are in four buildings across campus for lovers of literature to check out: 

• Old Main: by the former Dragon’s Den 

• Moffett Center: by Café Sawubona 

• Bowers Hall: by the first floor student lounge 

• Education Building: by the Dean’s Office in the second floor lounge 

Each case started with 70 to 80 books on its shelves, with extra books kept in storage to restock shelves. A volunteer group of 16 students organized the books and labeled them with stickers before bringing them to the cases. 

The effort to put real paper pages in the hands of students is designed to support wellness, encourage a break from the screens ever present in modern life and foster a stronger culture of reading for fun across campus. 

Among the biggest contributors were a School of Education book drive that collected more than 155 books for the program and a Cortland County Historical Society donation of 126 books. One shelf in the Education Building’s bookcase is reserved for content to help student teachers stock their classroom libraries. 

So far, the new initiative has been a story of success. Books are already being borrowed, according to Red Dragons Read coordinator Jenifer Phelan, assistant librarian for Memorial Library. 

“I was so impressed by the overwhelming enthusiasm and participation from students and grateful for the incredible donations and support from the SUNY Cortland community, including alumni, and the Cortland community at large,” Phelan said. “The amazing community involvement is what made the Red Dragons Read project a reality." 

Donations are still welcome, and anyone with a book they’re ready to part with can add it to a bookcase. The cases will be routinely checked by staff for new items. 

Contact Phelan for more information on Red Dragons Read.  

Some SUNY Cortland students wonder where their next meal is coming from, including those facing delays in receiving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the current federal government shutdown.

Lauren Scagnelli ’12, M ’14, the university’s health and wellness program coordinator, recently offered information on the impact of the indefinite delay in SNAP benefits,  as well as the local food resources that are still available.

She advised that, for SNAP EBT Card users, effective Nov. 1, the existing balance of any funds currently loaded onto one’s card from October, or previous months will remain available, and the card will continue to work at SNAP-authorized retailers. Currently, no new SNAP payments are scheduled to be issued for the month of November.

The SUNY Cortland Cupboard is the campus food pantry and a major resource for any student experiencing food insecurity, according to Scagnelli. It’s open to students in need of food and personal hygiene items at no cost.

“If you are unable to find what you need at the SUNY Cortland Cupboard, please let us know,” Scagnelli said. She encourages students who use the Cupboard to fill out the Cupboard form.

Members of the campus community may find additional food resources at Cortland County’s food pantries and soup kitchens. Students can find additional help using this interactive map of New York state food resources.

For the campus community as a whole, it’s an excellent time of year to consider making a financial donation to the SUNY Cortland Cupboard.

Or individuals can contribute directly to the Cupboard by placing their nonperishable and unexpired food items on the table next to the Cupboard in Old Main, Room B-05, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The pantry’s donation website contains a list of suggested items to give.

For more information, contact lauren.scagnelli@cortland.edu.

A New York State Supreme Court justice who brings empathy and education into his courtroom to help married couples avoid the all-too-often contentious process of dissolving their union will speak on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at SUNY Cortland.

The Hon. Kevin Kuehner, who currently serves as the senior justice in Onondaga County’s Dedicated Matrimonial Part, will address “Divorce Court: Managing Chaos with Order” at 4:30 p.m. in Moffett Center, Room 2125.

The event, which is free and open to the public, is the second in the 2025-26 Rozanne M. Brooks Lecture Series, themed this year on “The Culture of Turmoil.” The topic springs out of upheaval ordinary people find almost everywhere: in their grocery bill, current news feeds, health decisions, family issues, travel plans or any other daily activity. This year’s speakers aim to address some of today’s most distressing of concerns.  

Seating will be limited, so attendees are advised to arrive early. A reception will precede the talk at 4 p.m. at the Rozanne M. Brooks Museum in Moffett Center, Room 2126.

Kuehner is serving an elected, 14-year term as a trial court judge who hears cases in New York’s 5th Judicial District, which encompasses the counties of Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida, Onondaga and Oswego. 

According to him, much has been done in New York state to make divorce easier on the partners.

A legally binding marriage can be unilaterally dissolved in court, he noted. However, only the New York State Supreme Court has jurisdiction to grant a divorce. Since 1980, reforms have made divorce less costly and courts no longer require proof of the cause for divorce. Custody decisions are now focused on the child’s right to have a relationship with both parents. Revisiting financial decisions made during the marriage is largely prohibited. Discussing the divorce or other parent with children is prohibited.

“While these reforms have improved the process, they can unintentionally cause emotional disconnection,” Kuehner said. “Parties often feel alienated when told their personal grievances ‘don’t matter,’ which can lead to confusion, frustration and disengagement.”

He encourages lawyers and judges to acknowledge these feelings and explain to the parties the system’s evolution.

“They can help litigants understand and accept the process, leading to better outcomes and more constructive resolutions,” Kuehner said.

A Le Moyne College graduate who earned a B.S. in biology, he received his Juris Doctor from the Syracuse University College of Law, where he was twice honored with the Lewis F. Powell, Jr. Medal for Excellence in Trial Advocacy.

Kuehner is board certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy both as a civil trial lawyer and a civil practice lawyer. He earned the highest peer review rating of Preeminent by peer reviewer Martindale-Hubbell and is a Lifetime Member of the Million Dollar Advocates, one of the most prestigious groups of trial lawyers in the U.S.

An adjunct professor at Syracuse University, Kuehner teaches undergraduate and graduate level courses including Trial Practice and the Psychology of Police Interrogation in the Renée Crown Honors Program.

Additional series presentations include:

March 25 — U.S. Politics in Turmoil: New Era or Same Old Story? — Joseph Anthony, a SUNY Cortland assistant professor of political science, will dive into the key topics and questions surrounding the recent polarization in U.S. politics, which many scholars see as rivaling the nation’s most divided periods. Anthony will touch on many questions prompted by the current political maelstrom, including whether there’s something that people can do to help shape the U.S. democracy into a more effective and representative system.

April 8 — The Love Recession — Jill Murphy, a SUNY Cortland associate professor of health, will explore how our society is experiencing a decline in various aspects of interpersonal connection and additional public health challenges, which all together can be viewed as part of a broader “Love Recession.” Murphy will strive to identify opportunities toward reversing the trend.

The Brooks Series honors the late Rozanne M. Brooks, SUNY distinguished teaching professor emerita of sociology/anthropology at SUNY Cortland, whose donated special collection of ethnographic objects to the Sociology/Anthropology Department established the Brooks Museum in 2001.

The 2025-26 Brooks Lecture Series is co-sponsored by the Cortland Auxiliary Services and the Cortland College Foundation. For more information, contact the Brooks Lecture Series organizer and SUNY Distinguished Professor of Sociology/Anthropology Sharon Steadman at 607-753-2308.

The 75th annual SUNY Cortland Recreation Conference will mark its jubilee milestone with presentations that honor the past while looking toward the future of recreation, parks and leisure studies.

The two-day event, from Thursday, Nov. 6 through Friday, Nov. 7, in Corey Union, represents the nation’s oldest continuous student-run recreation conference. It will bring together an estimated 150 college students and recreation professionals from across New York state, the greater New England area and beyond to share their knowledge and network with one another.

Additionally, the conference will feature numerous presentations in the fields of recreation management, outdoor recreation, therapeutic recreation and tourism and events.

Tickets cost $60 for college students and $140 for professionals or $110 for one-day attendance. Attendance limited to the Internship Fair costs $25 for attendees and $30 for vendors. For more information and advance registration through Sunday, Nov. 2, visit the conference website or contact 607-753-4972 or recconf@cortland.edu.

“Our diamond year honors the legacy of those who paved the way and inspires us to create even greater possibilities for tomorrow,” said Cassie Williams, a senior from Middletown, N.Y., and the conference’s marketing and outreach director. “Seventy-five years is more than a milestone, it’s a testament to the strength, resilience and unity that has defined our Cortland recreation community across generations.”

The event will open with a plenary session featuring recreation, parks and leisure studies scholars examining how society has changed over the past 75 years and exploring how those transformations have shaped the recreation profession.

“This interactive session serves as a space for professionals and students to reflect on their personal and professional experiences within this dynamic field while envisioning its future,” Williams said.

“Given the celebratory nature of this anniversary year, several sessions will focus on how the past impacts current practice and the future of the field.”

The first day will conclude with the popular Metcalf Reception, providing attendees an opportunity to network and share their experiences.

Metcalf Address

Wade Norwood, the co-CEO of Common Ground Health/Rochester Regional Health Information Organization, which champions health equity across the Finger Lakes region, will deliver this year’s Metcalf Keynote Address on Friday.

Norwood will discuss the important role recreation and tourism can play in addressing health inequity and improving quality of life, from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. in the Corey Union Function Room. The presentation is free and open to the public.

With over 30 years in public service, the Rochester native serves on the New York State Board of Regents and previously chaired the Finger Lakes COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force.

Norwood spearheaded the creation of the African American Health Coalition, the Latino Health Coalition and the Partnership for Access to Healthcare.

A former Rochester City Council member, Norwood serves on the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council, guiding funding for economic development and anti-poverty efforts. His work focuses on improving health outcomes and advancing community engagement for underserved populations.

Student leadership drives conference success

Presented by the university’s Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies Department and students in the Corporate Events class, the conference receives additional support from the Metcalf Endowment Fund.

The event is traditionally organized and run by recreation students, and this year’s Conference Planning Committee joins a long line of peers and alumni who helped plan the annual gathering.

Besides Williams, the committee includes senior Carlene Palmer of Bainbridge, N.Y., programming director; sophomore Olivia Wallick of Wallingford, Connecticut, budget and finance director; junior Ashley Schappi of Trumansburg, N.Y., sponsorship and development director; junior Kaitlyn Hartson of Rochester, N.Y., hospitality director; and senior Zackary Kreiley of Dansville, N.Y., registration and tech director.

This year’s alumni presenters will include SUNY Cortland Alumni Volunteer Award recipient John Silsby ’69, M.S.Ed. ’70, Jack Samuels ’73, Jack Fass ’77, Stephanie Grosso ’06, Jennifer Page ’06, M ’12, Steven Schaap ’06, M ’15, Jacqueline Dyke M ’08, assistant professor of recreation, parks and leisure studies, Jason Page ’08, M ’12, assistant professor of recreation, parks and leisure studies, Jennifer Wells ’08, M ’12, Caralie Fennessey ’15 and Evan Nolan ’19, M ’23.

“The Cortland Recreation Conference has polished its vision for 75 years,” Williams said. “Now we shine brighter than ever, ready to inspire the next generation.”

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The Human Resources Office will recognize classified staff and Research Foundation employees who have met milestone years of service with SUNY Cortland at its 2025 Annual Service Awards Ceremony set for Friday, Dec. 12, in the Corey Union Function Room.

The following employees are slated to receive awards. To note a correction or addition to the list, contact Nicole Allen '25 in the Human Resources Office at 607-753-2302. 

2025 Service Award awardees 

25 YEARS

Connal Carr, Maintenance

Kathy McCracken, Custodial Services

Phillip Miller, Service Group

Kerry Mincher, Division of Student Affairs

Anthony Petrella, Custodial Services

Nadia Snell, Student Accounts Office

JoAnna Tobias, Information Systems and Security

20 YEARS

Karen Diescher, Child Care Center (Research Foundation)

Katherine A. Gustafson '86, Institutional Research and Analysis**

Nancy Hartford, Custodial Services 

Jeremiah Rawson, Maintenance

Julie Simser, Educational Opportunity Program

**Achieved 20 Years of Service in 2024

15 YEARS

Marilyn Jones, Advisement and Transition

Elizabeth Mokos, Custodial Services

Lisa Walker, Parks Family Outdoor Center

10 YEARS

John Blanchard, Maintenance

Joan Carey, Custodial Services

Steven Ford, Grounds

Lori Foster, English Department

Patti Fox, Custodial Services

Jesse Johnson, Custodial Services

Anthony Lasnik, Memorial Library

Heather McCaskill, Custodial Services

Shani McMahon, Kinesiology Department

Teresa Nelson, Custodial Services

Amanda Peck, Custodial Services

Martin Rounds, Mail Services/Central Warehouse

Ryan Schmidt, Memorial Library

James Sharpsteen, Maintenance

Candice Thornton, Custodial Services

Holly Verbeck, Custodial Services

Maere Vunk, The Learning Center

Travis Young, Maintenance

5 YEARS

Tara Allen, Custodial Services

Jacqueline Breed, Custodial Services

Anita Burnette, Custodial Services

Sarah Cobb, Admissions Office

Cynthia Dwyer, Child Care Center (Research Foundation)

Carly DiPietro, Registrar's Office

Karen Kabanuk, Custodial Services

Mariah Riccardi, Sociology/Anthropology Department

Bailey Riley, Student Health Services

Kari Schlenker, Campus Recreation

Nicole Shipman, Sport Management Department

Matthew Wood, Custodial Services

The Orientation Committee has set the new student orientation and advisement dates for summer 2026. Below you will find the program dates for January, June/July and August.

January 2026

January Orientation 1: Friday, Jan. 16 (online)

January Orientation 2: Thursday, Jan. 22 to Friday, Jan. 23

June/July 2026

Transfer Session 1: Monday, June 29

First-Year Session 1: Tuesday, June 30 to Wednesday, July 1

First-Year Session 2: Monday, July 6 to Tuesday, July 7

Transfer Session 2: Wednesday, July 8

First-Year Session 3: Thursday, July 9 to Friday, July 10

First-Year Session 4: Monday, July 13  to Tuesday, July 14

First-Year Session 5: Wednesday, July 15 (online)

First-Year Session 6: Thursday, July 16 to Friday, July 17

First-Year Session 7: Monday, July 20 to Tuesday, July 21

First-Year Session 8: Wednesday, July 22  to Thursday, July 23

Transfer Session 3: Friday, July 24 (online)

August 2026

Transfer Session 4 and First-Year Session 9: Thursday, Aug. 27 to Friday, Aug. 28 

Various offices and departments work together to make these events a success and to aid our new students in their transition to SUNY Cortland. The campus community is invited to participate in these programs. New student advisement and registration will occur during the afternoons of all one-day programs and on the second day of two-day programs. Advisement and Transition will begin coordinating these efforts in March and will reach out to student services and academic departments with additional details.

For program information, refer to the orientation website at cortland.edu/orientation. Direct questions about the Orientation program to Advisement and Transition.